Despite geopolitical turmoil, Emirates Group posts record Dh24.4 billion pre-tax profit.
Dubai: Emirates Group has announced a remarkable 20-week salary bonus for employees following a record-breaking performance in the 2025–26 financial year, after achieving historic highs in profit, revenue and cash reserves.
Dubai’s flagship airline delivered the results despite the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict, which has disrupted Middle East aviation through airspace closures, schedule changes and higher fuel costs.
The Group reported record profit before tax of Dh24.4 billion, up 7 per cent year-on-year, while revenue rose 3 per cent to Dh150.5 billion. Cash assets also climbed 12 per cent to Dh59.6 billion.
The Emirates Group — which includes Emirates airline, dnata, and subsidiaries across cargo, catering, travel and retail — reported a record pre-tax profit of Dh24.4 billion, up 7 per cent year-on-year. Revenue increased 3 per cent to Dh150.5 billion, while cash assets rose 12 per cent to Dh59.6 billion.
In a message to employees, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, praised staff for their resilience during a challenging period.
“March 2026 will fade into memory, but we will never forget your bravery and incredible resilience.
“You were called upon during one of the most complex and challenging times in our history and you showed up with commitment and passion. For that, I will remain forever grateful to you.”
The results came despite what the airline described as a “disruptive and challenging” final month of the financial year. Regional aviation, which had been experiencing strong post-pandemic growth, faced major disruption after the US-Israel-Iran conflict escalated in late February. Conditions have since gradually stabilised, with airlines restoring schedules and capacity.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum said: “We are fortunate to be based in Dubai, where years of infrastructure investments and a cohesive aviation ecosystem have enabled the government to quickly secure safe corridors for commercial flights.”
Emirates Group remains one of Dubai’s largest employers. Its workforce expanded 8 per cent to 130,919 employees, reflecting continued hiring across Emirates and dnata.
Last year, the Group shortlisted 390,000 candidates from 3.5 million applications and onboarded more than 9,700 employees in the UAE.
According to an October 2024 report by Oxford Economics, commissioned by Emirates Group and Dubai Airports, the aviation sector — led largely by the Emirates Group — remains a major contributor to Dubai’s economy.
The report estimated that aviation supports more than 630,000 jobs in Dubai, with that figure projected to grow by a further 185,000 by 2030.
Following a turbulent March, Emirates has largely restored normal operations. The airline is currently serving 137 destinations across 72 countries spanning the Americas, Europe, Africa, West Asia, the Middle East and GCC, the Far East, and Australasia.
